Essential items include food for all family members, two litres of water per person per day, flashlights, batteries, cash, medications or other special needs items, first aid kit and emergency contact information.

The Wildfire Management Branch is applying fire retardant on the line's right of way in efforts to protect the power source.

More than 2,500 residents from 1,100 homes spent last night out of their homes after an evacuation order was expanded Thursday.

Another 150 homes along and near Lenz Road, including the Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road, were put on evacuation alert at around 8:30 p.m. PT. Residents there were told to be prepared to leave their homes at a moment's notice.

West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, seen here volunteering at the evacuation centre Thursday afternoon, was forced out of his home by a fire in 2003. (CBC)

West Kelowna's mayor and council also declared a local state of emergency in the municipality of 31,000 residents.

The initial order Thursday afternoon, shortly after the fire broke out, affected only about 200 residents, but was quickly expanded to 1,500 residents in 585 homes before nearly doubling again at 7 p.m. PT. Thursday.

The fire, which was half a hectare when first reported, expanded within hours to 30 hectares, and by Thursday night emergency officials said it had grown to 200 hectares. By Friday morning, it had grown to 250 hectares.

It was burning in the hills behind Smith Creek and Dixie Roads, threatening homes in the neighbourhood immediately below it.

Volunteers at the evacuation reception centre at at Mount Boucherie Secondary School helped pets and pet owners cope with the sudden move Thursday afternoon. (CBC)

The evacuation order applies to the following areas: the Smith Creek Neighbourhood, Tallus Ridge Estates, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods and these specific locations:

3001-3072 Whispering Hills Drive.

Copper Ridge Drive.

Copper Ridge Court.

Copper Ridge Place.

Copper Ridge Way.

Iron Ridge Place.

Iron Ridge Road.

Stone Ridge Drive.

Bridal Hill Court.

Bridal Hill Road.

Rhinestone Road.

Wildhorse Drive.

Sageview Road.

Saddleridge Drive.

Sugosa Place.

North side of Salish Road (non-agricultural properties).

3046-3101 Smith Creek Road.

Summerview Place.

Summerview Court.

Doucette Drive.

3125-3190 Shetler Drive.

Telcor Place.

Sandberg Road.

Twin Place.

An emergency reception centre has been set up at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, at 2751 Cameron Rd. in West Kelowna.

Residents in need of transportation can call 250-469-8490 for help.

People are also being asked to close windows and doors prior to leaving and to shut off all gas and electrical appliances, except fridges and freezers. Officials advise to gather family, put pets on leashes, and take only essential items like wallets, purses, keys and medicine.

They are also asking people to avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency crews can do their work.

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